Hua Siong College of Iloilo’s (HSCI) alumni Paolo Martin T. Abcede and Nanzrine K. Balsamo, and learners Calica Beatriz F. Wong and Iana Angela B. Sotaridona received the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines Youth Leadership Excellence Award (YLEA) last August 26, 2023 at Robinsons Place Jaro, Iloilo City for their exemplary performance in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Iana Angela B. SotaridonaCalica Beatriz F. Wong
Paolo Martin T. AbcedeNanzrine K. Balsamo
Ninety-five elementary and secondary school learners from different private and public schools in the city and province of Iloilo were the recipients of the YLEA during their grand awarding ceremony. Twenty-five of them were selected by JCI Regatta.
“I felt very accomplished. To think that all my hard work was not only recognized but also rewarded,” said Balsamo, former high school student council president and alumnus of HSCI Ledesco Campus.
Wong, a Grade 7 learner of the same campus and also a recipient of the award shared that receiving the said award was a happy and exciting time for her.
“To be honest, I did not expect to receive this award. I am honored to be recognized
as a great leader with an accomplishment that carried immense significance to those around me, my team, and the organization as a whole,” added Paolo Martin Abcede, former student council president and alumnus of HSCI Main Campus.
JCI sub-chapters JCI Iloilo, JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang, JCI Regatta and JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang collaborated in presenting this year’s YLEA recipients.
YLEA is an annual recognition and conferment of certificates and medals to outstanding learners with scholarly achievements and active extracurricular involvement.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) continues to uphold its reputation as the home of the champions as one of its Senior High School (SHS) faculty members and six of its alumni successfully passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) administered last September 30 to October 2, 2023.
Among the passers were Accountancy, Business, and Management strand teacher, Mr. Romer V. Parreñas, CPA, alumni Elaine Margaret Deslate, CPA (JHS Batch 2016), Isabella Jade M. Escubillo, CPA, (BS Accountancy Batch 2017), Niel Angelo E. Puertollano, CPA (JHS Batch 2015), Marianne Fe S. Peronce, CPA (BS Accountancy Batch 2022), Goldy May Silva, CPA (SHS Batch 2018), and Fredrick C. Wee, CPA (SHS Batch 2019).
As an accounting teacher of the institution, Parreñas acknowledges that his class discussions have played a big significance in enhancing his comprehension of the subject matter.
“To be honest, I was not fully prepared, but I prayed hard. Acknowledging my shortcomings during the preparation, I realized that achieving your goals is not just for yourself but for those who believe in you, so no matter how tough it gets, keep persevering,” shared Parreñas.
Recognizing the school’s pivotal role in the success of its alumni in the CPALE, these individuals have built a strong foundation for their achievements, with the institution playing an integral part in their accomplishments.
Peronce, an alumna of HSCI’s Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program, reflected on her rigorous experience in taking the exam and shared that the journey of taking the CPALE was very challenging, but it was a challenge that anyone can win through motivation, self-confidence, and hard work.
“Learn to love the process, because 99.9% of the time, you will be in the process. Concentrate on your personal development and progression at your own pace. Lastly, I want all aspiring accountants to take pride because no one goes through this as hard as CPAs,” Wee, an alumnus of SHS Batch 2018, added when asked of his message to aspiring accountants.
The Professional Regulation Commission released the results with 2,740 passers out of the 8,734 examinees and a national passing percentage of 31.37 per cent. The exam is held in the months of May and October as the ultimate test of competence for aspiring public accountants in the country.
Last August 2023, Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) Junior High School department received its recertification status from the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) for Educational Service Contracting (ESC).
RENEWED COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. The recertification status received by the JHS Department from PEAC affirms their dedication to providing learners with quality education. Photo courtesy of PDSS
The re-certification ensures the continuation of the assistance received by both high school learners and teachers through different national subsidy programs.
Furthermore, PEAC certification has also helped HSCI in growing its number of learners by giving chances to many public school learners to enroll in the institution with aid from national subsidies such as the ESC Grant for Grade 7 learners and the Senior High School Voucher for incoming Grade 11 learners.
Aside from learners, annual subsidies are also given to qualified teachers in ESC-participating schools through the Teacher’s Salary Subsidy.
PEAC is a 5-member committee that serves as trustees for the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE), an unappealable and perpetual trust fund, that aims to assist private schools in the country.
DEAL SEALED. The green light was given to Hua Siong College of Iloilo after the Department of Education Region VI approved its Homeschool Learning which will put quality education at the heart of the home. Photo courtesy of PDSS
Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) was granted a permit for the Homeschool Learning for School Year 2023-2024, through the confirmation of the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office VI. This made the institution the second school in Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo to be granted the said permit.
HSCI is one with DepEd that every child has the right to quality education and inclusive learning. For this reason, the school crafted a plan to apply for the Homeschooling Program through the leadership and guidance of Dr. Jose B. Barcelona, the school’s Academic Director.
All heads of the different academic and non-academic units, including the teachers from Preschool to Senior High School, collaborated to ensure that all necessary documents and facilities were well-prepared.
When interviewed about how she felt when the modality had been approved, Mrs. Janet J. Escubio, Principal of the Basic Education English Department said, “I was so elated upon knowing that the Regional Office approved our application for such a program. This means our school can cater to learners who cannot attend the regular face-to-face modality which serves as an indication that Hua Siong is for inclusive education.”
“An assigned Homeschool Coordinator will be in-charge of enrolling learners, monitoring their progress, and providing support to parents or guardians during
implementation. Hence, Homeschool learners will be provided with textbooks and modules in print or digital format,” Escubio added.
The Philippines’ Homeschool Learning modality was introduced and approved in 1997 by DepEd. This is one among the Alternative Delivery Modes under the Flexible Learning options of public and private elementary and secondary schools to combat negative learning conditions and to address children’s education access issues.
With Mr. Ian Eric S. Pama elected to a second term as president, the school formally welcomed the newly-elected officers of the Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) Board Trustees (BOT) for School Year 2023-2025 during the induction ceremony held last September 1, 2023 at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, HSCI Ledesco Campus.
Pama was first elected as president of the BOT for School Year 2021-2023. In his speech, he shared that he was ready to step down after his first term of office, yet he was nominated and selected by his fellow directors.
During his two years as president, HSCI has continued its high level of record-breaking successes in academics and sports despite starting his leadership in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic where the school had to shift to alternative modes of education.
“My heart is full of determination as I accept the challenge again of being the president of the school. I believe that with our collective commitment and effort success can be easily achieved,” said Pama in his acceptance speech.
As re-elected president, he has numerous plans for improving and developing the institution such as renovation of facilities like offices, clinics, laboratories, and libraries.
“My vision for our school is one that celebrates diversity, cultivates creativity, and embraces innovation and to achieve this vision, we must focus on enhancing professional development opportunities for our teachers, foster a safe and inclusive learning environment for our students, and establish strong partnerships with parents and the community,” he added.
Inducted by Cong. James A. Ang Jr., HSCI named its new Board of Trustees Dr. Felipe A. Uygongco (Immediate Past President), Mr. Robert U. Po (Past President), Mr. Ian Eric S. Pama (President), Engr. Terence S. Uygongco (Executive Vice President), Mr. Romeo S. Go (Vice President), Engr. Roswell T. Limsui (Secretary), Mr. Louis John J. Ng (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Vicente Tang (Treasurer), Mr. Antonio H. Lim (Assistant Treasurer), Mr. Julian FelipeS. Uygongco (Auditor), and Mr. Robert L. Uy, Cong. James A. Ang Jr., Mr. Vicente Danilo E. Tan Chan, Mr. Tomas G. Tan, and Mr. Rex A. Chua (Directors).
Every two years, the members of the board elect a new set of officers for the BOT, an organization responsible for ensuring that the school’s mission and vision are met and in proposing policies that bring about the best interest and success of the whole academic community.
Besting six competing groups, Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) has again proven itself as the powerhouse in the game of hoops as it booked the over-all championship title in the first Chairman’s Cup Philippines Tournament last September 17, 2023 at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, HSCI Ledesco Campus.
The Red Phoenixes soared past the University of San Agustin (USA) with a thrilling 90-76 victory adding to their golden accolades from the hard court. But, it was not an easy feat for the host squad as the USA hoopers stayed at close range from the first to the third quarter of the match.
With their strong defense and commendable offensive plays, USA managed to close distance in the first quarter, but HSCI’s Chris John Cabrales held a buzzer-beating three-pointer, securing an early 10-point lead. Working their way through, USA caught up with HSCI to even things at 46-46 during halftime. But the Red Phoenixes, with their known fearlessness in paint scoring, closed the 3rd quarter with a score of 70-60.
HSCI’s guard Jid Locsin’s excellent drives to the basket, along with his teammates aggressive defense and precise shooting from beyond the arc, the Red Phoenixes managed to pull away and cemented the game against University of San Agustin with a 14-point lead to close out the match.
Locsin, who was awarded as the Finals’ Most Valuable Player and
one of the tournament’s Mythical 5, shared that it was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for him. Their intense matches, late-night practices, and grueling physical exertion tested their limits. However, “our unwavering determination and perseverance paid off, as we emerged victorious,” he said.
“The journey to winning the Chairman’s Cup Philippines was filled with challenges and adversities that tested our resilience and determination. One of the most rewarding aspects of winning the tournament was the sense of accomplishment it brought. Throughout the tournament, we faced tough competition from highly-skilled teams,” Locsin added.
Other competing teams from different schools in Region VI namely University of St. La Salle Bacolod, St. Robert’s International College, Bacolod Tay Tung High School, and the contenders from the Province of Palawan showed outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork in the three-day Chairman’s Cup Tournament, the first of its kind for the entire Philippines.
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